Sit down! The story of the dog Pepa, who received a life sentence because of a fake accusation

The Pennsylvania Federal Prison is primarily known for the fact that the legendary gangster Al Capone served his sentence there. And secondly, by the fact that she became the refuge of a dog named Pep.

On August 24, 1924, black Labrador Pep was sentenced to life without parole. According to a legend spread in the newspapers, he was charged with the brutal murder of a cat that the wife of the governor of the state Gifford Pinchot loved so much. Despite the fact that Pep himself lived in this family. The governor used his influence to get the dog sent to prison. He was even photographed as an ordinary prisoner and assigned a number — C-2559.

An amazing story. Especially considering that Pep didn't kill any cat…

(5 photos in total)

Source: Vintage

Pep got into Mr. Pinchot's family as a tiny puppy. A relative of the governor, who worked as a breeder, gave the Labrador to the politician when he was elected governor of the state. At first, Pepa was adored, but soon he grew up and began to chew furniture like a madman. No amount of punishment could wean him from this habit. The Labrador's teeth ruined so many pillows that the owners decided to get rid of the dog. But they did not dare to put him to sleep.

During a working trip to Maine, Pinchot found a way out. He learned that dogs are specially placed in some prisons so that prisoners do not lose heart. The governor discussed this option with the governor of the Pennsylvania prison, and he agreed. So Pep ended up behind bars. They took a picture of him as a joke.

Governor Gifford Pinchot and one of the blocks of the Pennsylvania prison

But how did the legend that Pep is a criminal appear? Apparently, this story was made up by a reporter of a local newspaper. Deciding to warm up the readers' interest, he asked the governor's son about the nuances, and together they came up with a story.

That prison was closed in 1971. And now it is a tourist attraction. People come mainly to look at the camera in which Al Capone was sitting. For them, a plaque was hung in memory of the "eminent prisoner Pepe", who, by the way, was buried on the prison grounds.

Al Capone's Camera

A plaque in memory of Pepe